I highlighted the stark reality that academic
environments for Hindu theological studies are scarce, not only in India but
also globally. Currently, only a handful of institutions in India, located in
Pune, Nagaland, Kottayam, and Dehradun, offer academic programs in theology,
but these courses focus primarily on Christian studies. Internationally,
numerous institutions offer programs in theology for various religions, but
Hinduism remains a glaring exception.
Furthermore, I emphasized the lack of opportunities
for publishing research papers on Hinduism, as there are no reputable
universities to encourage and support such publications. Despite India ranking
fourth in research output globally, none of these efforts focus on Hindu
studies. This is where the Hindu University of America can play a vital role by
inviting papers, exploring Hinduism-related topics, and providing a platform
for publishing and disseminating knowledge.
In light of the negative publicity surrounding caste
issues in Western circles, I stressed the importance of creating a digital
repository of Hindu thought on caste and other relevant topics. This repository
would serve as a valuable resource for promoting awareness and understanding.
Finally, I noted that the Government of India's
proposal to fund subscriptions for various research papers presents an
opportune moment for HUA to seek support for its publishing efforts and digital
library creation. By collaborating with HUA, we can work towards bridging the
knowledge gap and promoting a deeper understanding of Hinduism and its rich
cultural heritage.
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